What happens when a Hollywood star loses the one thing his career depends on: his face? DC Studios is giving one of Batman’s most recognizable villains his own storyline with Clayface, a body-horror film exploring the tragic origins of Gotham City’s shape-shifting antagonist.
Part of the DC Universe’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, the first phase of interconnected films and television shows in DC Studios’ newly established cinematic universe, the upcoming film takes a darker approach to the superhero genre, focusing on one man’s transformation from Hollywood leading man to terrifying villain.
Clayface is directed by James Watkins, known for Speak No Evil and The Woman in Black, and written by horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, known for Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House and most recently Carrie, alongside Hossein Amini.
Clayface is set to premiere exclusively in theaters on October 23, 2026.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming film, including its story, trailer and cast.
In the meantime, explore more movies and shows from DC Studios with DIRECTV.
What is ‘Clayface’ About?
Clayface follows Matt Hagen, a Hollywood actor on his way to stardom all the way from the streets of Gotham City. Just as his career begins to take off, a brutal attack leaves him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and desperate to reclaim his life, Matt turns to an experimental treatment that promises to restore his appearance. Although the procedure initially appears successful, its unexpected side effects begin to unravel his sense of reality, sending him down an all-consuming path of revenge.
The character of Clayface has a long history in DC Comics, dating back to 1940. Over the years, several characters have taken on the Clayface identity, including Matt Hagen, who debuted in Detective Comics #298 in 1961 with the ability to change his shape and appearance.
Clayface has also appeared in numerous Batman adaptations, most notably Batman: The Animated Series, which explored the villain’s origin story, highlighting his struggles with his identity and the consequences of his transformation. The new film draws inspiration from that animated portrayal while putting its own body-horror spin on it.
The official Clayface trailer offers a closer look at Matt’s decline:
‘Clayface’ Cast and Characters Guide
Here’s a look at the main cast of Clayface:
Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen / Clayface
Known from: White Lines, The Gentlemen, Suspicion, 15 Days, The Return
Tom Rhys Harries leads the cast of Clayface as Matt Hagen, a driven and determined Hollywood actor whose promising career takes a turn after a violent encounter with a local crime boss leaves him severely disfigured. Having fought his way up from nothing, Matt has poured everything into building a name for himself. But when his appearance is destroyed, his team is quick to abandon him, leaving him with no support system and nothing to fall back on. Suddenly, everything he’s worked for is slipping away.
Terrified of losing the life he fought so hard to build, Matt becomes increasingly desperate for a way to get it all back. When an experimental procedure offers him the chance to restore his appearance, he’s willing to take the risk, regardless of the potential consequences. But what he hopes will be his salvation instead becomes the beginning of an even more horrifying transformation.
More than just another origin story, Clayface explores the man behind the monster, reminding audiences that even the most terrifying superhero villains have a story of their own. Through Matt’s transformation, the film examines the emotional and psychological toll of becoming something he never wanted to be, as he struggles with the loss of his identity and his humanity, along with the life he once knew.
Naoki Ackie as Dr. Caitlyn Corr
Known from: Mickey 17, Blink Twice, Lady Macbeth, Sorry, Baby, The Thursday Murder Club
Naomi Ackie stars as Dr. Caitlyn Corr, an ambitious, unconventional scientist whose determination to push the boundaries of medicine offers Matt Hagen a glimmer of hope when he has nowhere else to turn. With his entire life on the line, Caitlyn offers a potential solution. But what seems like a medical breakthrough soon proves to have horrifying side effects, raising questions about the consequences of pushing science beyond its limits.
Adding another layer of complexity is Caitlyn and Matt’s growing romantic connection, which makes their relationship far more personal than a typical doctor-patient dynamic. Abandoned by the people he once trusted and struggling with his sense of self-worth, Matt finds comfort in Caitlyn, who offers him a sense of acceptance when he needs it most. Even as her experimental treatment transforms him into something unrecognizable, she may remain his closest connection to the humanity he’s so desperately trying to hold on to.
Max Minghella as John Borrelli
Known from: Babylon, The Social Network, The Ides of March, Spiral, The Handmaid’s Tale
Max Minghella joins the cast of Clayface as John Borrelli, a principled Gotham City police detective trying to do the right thing in a city where corruption runs deep. Unlike many of the people around him, John has a strong moral compass and believes in upholding the law, even when the system he’s working within doesn’t always share those values.
As John investigates a string of mysterious murders that appear to be connected to Matt Hagen, his professional responsibilities begin to collide with his personal life. John is engaged to Dr. Caitlyn Corr, whose growing closeness with Matt puts him in an increasingly uncomfortable position. Rather than immediately confronting the situation, John tries to remain patient and supportive, even as the circumstances surrounding Matt become more troubling.
Joshua James as Corey Bowery
Known from: Andor, Down Cemetery Road, Cyrano, Industry, Absentia, Black Mirror
Joshua James joins the cast of Clayface as Corey Bowery, a character whose involvement in Matt Hagen’s story remains a mystery. Although details about Corey have yet to be revealed, James is among the actors specifically highlighted in DC Studios’ official cast announcement, suggesting he has a notable role in the film.
James is no stranger to darker, psychologically intense stories, having appeared in Black Mirror, Andor and The Mystery of Cemetery Road. For now, audiences will have to wait to discover where Corey fits in Gotham City.
David Denick as Markos Szabo
Known from: No Time to Die, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, A Royal Affair, Star City, Other People’s Money
David Dencik takes on the role of Markos Szabo in Clayface, although little has been revealed about his character. Dencik has built a career portraying mysterious, morally complex and sometimes unsettling characters, making him a natural fit for the darker world of Gotham City. For now, audiences will have to wait to discover what role Markos plays in the unfolding events.
Eddie Marsan
Known from: Happy-Go-Lucky, Vera Drake, The World’s End, 21 Grams, King & Conqueror
Eddie Marsan joins the cast of Clayface in a role that has yet to be revealed. The British actor has had a decades-long career across film and television, appearing in everything from Hollywood blockbusters to independent dramas and popular television series. Marsan brings a wealth of acting experience to the film.
Nancy Carroll
Known from: The Crown, Father Brown, Murder in Provence, Magic Mike’s Last Dance
Nancy Carroll joins the cast of Clayface in a role that has yet to be revealed. The British actress has built an extensive career across television, film and theater, earning recognition for many of her performances. While her character remains unknown, Clayface marks another addition to her wide-ranging career across stage and screen.
Additional Cast of ‘Clayface’
Rounding out the Clayface ensemble are several additional cast members, including Ruby Sear as Theresa and Sonita Henry as Clara Finch. Francesca Corney is also set to appear as Rosie, while Wil Coban and Jake Curran take on the roles of Bones and Patches, respectively. Other additions include Joana Ribeiro as Mia, Tanya Moodie as Holly and Sam Hazeldine as Chris.
Although these characters have been identified by name, details about their involvement in the story remain largely under wraps until the premiere.
Watch More Horror With DIRECTV
Ready for your next scare? October is the perfect time for a scary movie marathon, and DIRECTV has plenty of films to keep the thrills going all spooky season.
From family-friendly Halloween favorites to terrifying horror movies that will have you jumping out of your seat, there’s something for every kind of viewer.
Find your next horror favorite with DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayface part of the DC Universe?
Is Clayface (2026) based on DC Comics?
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